Moose euthanized after charging Grand Lake woman

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GRAND LAKE- A moose charged and knocked down Sue Rogers, 60, of Grand Lake, in a neighborhood southwest of Grand Lake on Tuesday, June 4, after her dog barked at the cow moose and its calf.

The woman received abrasions on her head, though was not trampled by the moose, and was taken to Granby Medical Center by Grand County EMS and was later transported to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood.

The cow moose and her calf were euthanized following the incident by local wildlife officials in the interest of human health and safety, according to a press release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding the public about the dangers of approaching moose. The recent activity in Grand Lake has heightened concerns about moose and human conflicts.

“It’s an unfortunate situation for the victim in this case, and we hope she has a quick recovery,” said Area Wildlife Manager Lyle Sidener of Hot Sulphur Springs. “This is a reminder that approaching these large animals can in certain situations be dangerous.”

According to a witness, the woman and her dog were reportedly as close as 10 feet to the cow and its calf before the moose charged her and knocked her down.

“People should remember that approaching wildlife often puts the animal at risk as well,” said Sidener.

Moose do not differentiate dogs from wolves, their natural predator, and will instinctually attempt to stomp them in self-defense. If the dog runs back to its owner for safety, it can bring an angry, 1,000- pound moose with it, putting people at risk as well.

Late spring is calving season and cow moose will aggressively protect their young. Wildlife officials advise that people watch all wildlife from a distance with binoculars or a scope. In addition, people should keep their dogs on leashes at all times, especially in areas where moose are common.

Grand Lake made headlines recently after several national news organizations reported on a local bull moose’s seemingly amorous attention to a large statue of a bull moose located within city limits.

Wildlife officials say the cow moose attack is not related to the bull moose’s unusual behavior, but remind onlookers to keep their distance from the bull, and all other moose they may encounter.

“We have heard reports of people coming as close as 20 feet to take a picture of this bull,” said Sidener. “Many people see it as a curiosity, however we caution the public to give it plenty of space or it may feel threatened and could react.”